10 Classic American Dishes for the Fourth of July

There's hardly a holiday more patriotic than the Fourth of July. As the sun sets, the burgers grill, and the red, white, and blue streamers fly, it's hard not to think back to that fateful night almost 240 years ago when the USA was born. Or, if you're not feeling quite so sentimental, you'll at least be excited by the sky-sweeping fireworks, juicy watermelon, and good company.

However you celebrate the Fourth, there's no holiday more appropriate for enjoying your favorite classic American dishes. Taken together, these 10 regional and country-wide recipes showcase the quintessential dishes that define American home-cooking.

<em><strong><a href="http://food52.com/recipes/19368-michael-ruhlman-s-rosemary-brined-buttermilk-fried-chicken" target="_hplink">Get the recipe on Food52</a></strong>.</em><br>
This is a fried chicken recipe you just can't mess up. A speedy rosemary lemon brine keeps the chicken flavorful and moist. Because of this (and its ultra-crispy buttermilk battered crust), the chicken will hold well in a warm oven for a couple hours before guests arrive, giving you plenty of time to wipe down the stove, shower, and pour yourself an early glass of wine. - Genius Recipes
<br><em>Photo: James Ransom</em>

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